senate republicans have stalled the nomination of chicago chuck hagel for secretary of defense and john brennan for c.i.a. director. if g.o.p. won't budge until it receives answers about the benghazi consulate attack last september. the new white house chief of staff says the candidates are well-qualified and further delays could jeopardize security. the obama administration is reportedly considering landmark legislation on immigration reform. u.s.a. today obtained a draft proposal from the white house that would allow illegal immigrants to become legal permanent residents within 8 years. it is estimated that there are 11 million illegal immigrants right now in the u.s., and under the proposal, they could apply for a newly created immigrant visa. the bill would also provide more security funding and require that businesses verify the immigration status of new hires. >>> some bay area educators are applauding president obama's early childhood education proposal. the president wants to make preschool available to all children and expand programs such as head start. in california, official